Prominent Sea Turtle Biologist and Author to Discuss Conservation of Endangered

MEDIA ADVISORY
For Immediate Release: October 18, 2005

Contact: Jennifer Shulzitski; Phone: (415) 488-0370 x108; Email: jenn@tirn.net

Prominent Sea Turtle Biologist and Author to Discuss
Conservation of Endangered Pacific Leatherback

Dr. James Spotila, President of the Leatherback Trust,
President of the International Sea Turtle Society,
and Betz Chair of Environmental Science, Drexel University

Renowned sea turtle biologist and award-winning author Dr. James Spotila will share stunning underwater photographs and compelling information about the biology, behavior, and conservation of these amazing undersea migrants. Meet Dr. Spotila and other sea turtle advocates at the public lectures and receptions. Learn how your actions can help save these gentle creatures, including the critically endangered Pacific leatherback sea turtle - the Earth's largest reptile - from the brink of extinction.

WHAT: Sea turtle lectures and receptions, hosted by the non-profit Sea Turtle Restoration Project and the San Francisco Zoo.

WHEN: Lecture 1. Wednesday, November 16th, 2005. Lecture - 7 PM. Reception - 6:30 PM. Lecture 2. Friday, November 18th, 2005. Lecture - 7 PM. Reception - 6:30 PM.

WHERE: Lecture 1. San Francisco Zoo, Lurie Education Center, Great Hall, 47th Avenue / Sloat Boulevard Entrance. Lecture 2. The Bay Model Visitor Center, Multi-Purpose Room, 2100 Bridgeway, Sausalito.

COST: $10 Members (Sea Turtle Restoration Project/San Francisco Zoo); General Admission $15.

WHY: These events offer a unique opportunity to learn about sea turtle conservation issues, as well as threats to the critically endangered Pacific leatherback sea turtle. Over the last 20 years, leatherbacks have suffered a massive 95% population decline. Scientists warn that without immediate intervention, the Pacific leatherback could go extinct in as little as 10 years. In addition, these events offer an opportunity to meet leading sea turtle biologists and conservationists.

WHO: The Sea Turtle Restoration Project is the primary effort of Turtle Island Restoration Network, a 501(c)(3) organization, based in Forest Knolls, California. Dr. James Spotila is one of the world's foremost authorities on sea turtles, with more than 100 published articles in leading scientific journals. Dr. Spotila recently published a book, Sea Turtles: A Guide to Their Biology, Behavior, and Conservation, which was the winner of the Professional and Scholarly Publishing Awards in Biological Sciences.

Sea Turtle Restoration Project
P.O. Box 400 • Forest Knolls, CA 94933
P: (415) 488-0370 • F: (415) 488-0372
http://www.SeaTurtles.org

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